Acetaldehyde Accumulation: Is It a Cause of Physiological Deterioration of Fruits?1

Acetaldehyde is a metabolite frequently attributed a key role in physiological deterioration of fruits and other plant materials. In fruits, it accumulates during ripening and during development of many physiological disorders. Its role in deterioration, however, is not clear. Its toxicity is easily demonstrated, hence it is tempting to ascribe injury and degeneration to acetaldehyde accumulation. Nevertheless, a body of evidence suggests that its accumulation is a result, rather than cause, of tissue disorganization. Resolution of this question awaits development of an analytical method that will overcome the deficiencies inherent in methods used in the past.